Good News!
Visualization (mental imagery) is a technique used to help people lose weight – with long term success!
Recently, Dr. Linda Solbrig and colleagues, from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, conducted a study where they compared a fairly common talking therapy known as Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a novel type of motivational intervention called Functional Imagery Training (FIT).
In MI, the person embarking on a weight loss program receives counseling that allows them to figure out, and talk about, what motivates them to drop those extra pounds.
With FIT, however, the person who is attempting to lose weight is taught to fully visualize, in as realistic a way as possible, achieving this long sought-after goal of weight loss, and feeling what that would allow them to do or experience that they are unable to do or experience at present.
Results were measured at six months and again after a year. The researchers found that the participants who underwent the visualization had lost five times more weight, on average, compared with those who underwent counseling.
“It’s fantastic that people lost significantly more weight on this intervention, as, unlike most studies, it provided no diet/physical activity advice or education,” as Dr. Solbrig points out. “People were completely free in their choices and supported in what they wanted to do, not what a regimen prescribed.”
I can totally see that. When you feel that you are “choosing” what to eat and how to exercise in a mindful way, you are empowered. And that’s a great feeling.
And since I use visualization often to help my clients achieve their goals, I know how well it works. Seeing and feeling what it’s like to achieve that goal, whether it’s weight loss,being on time for a change, getting some aerobic exercise, or even writing that book you’ve been wanting to write, is the road to success.
I know that many of you have tried all the latest diets or exercise plans that promise you’ll be able to reach that weight goal, but after a few weeks of working on it, something comes up (something always comes up), and you miss a day, then something else happens… Well, this is life. It’s not your fault. AND,due to modern advances in brain science, we now have many more tools to help us accomplish those hard to reach goals and achieve the success we are looking for.
Would you like to use the marvelous neuroplasticity of your own brain, along with tools like aromatherapy (see below note), EFT (tapping), forgiveness practices, and other tools that I’ll share, to finally reach that weight loss (or other) goal of yours?
You ‘re in luck! My course “A New Season – A New YOU” is running again in January! I incorporate all these tools to help you complete one goal during this 30 day program. We’ll work on just that one goal during these 30 days, and make new pathways in your brain that will not only help you achieve this goal, but ANYTHING you desire to accomplish afterwards. And if you pre-register, I am offering a holiday discount on the course fee. See the below video for more information.
Note:I heard you laughing when you read aromatherapy – but the proof is in the pudding as they say! Your sense of smell has a more powerful effect than you think. Here are some scientific studies which show that:
Your favorite scents may conjure up memories and emotions which you associate with them.The smell of fresh-cut grass, for example, might bring you back to carefree summer days, or the scent of vanilla may bring you back to your grandma’s holiday cookies baking. According to research, certain scents can affect your mood whether you associate pleasant experiences with them or not. In a 2005 study, panelists rated their mood after inhaling the scents of clementine and vanilla bean. Both scents evoked feelings of happiness.Additionally, participants reported vanilla bean as relaxing and stress reducing, while clementine made them feel more energized. Other pleasant scents such as lavender, peppermint, and lemon can also improve mood. Fragrances have the added benefit of not only boosting your mood but certain ones can also boost productivity, relieve stress and more.
So how will aromatherapy help you achieve your goal?
In my course, you inhale a scent that you love, as a way to release endorphins, while reading your newly worded goal aloud. First, you’ll read it without the scent and discuss how it feels. After all, it’s the same goal you’ve attempted many times and failed. Not a good feeling, is it…? Now,using the scent, you’ll read it again and the feeling is different – more pleasant. This is one of the simplest ways for your brain to associate “feeling good” with this plan, therefore, making it easier to steer the brain away from the old pathway (toward failure) and onto the new, successful pathway you are learning to make. This is how aromatherapy will help you achieve your goal!
This is just one of the many exciting tools you’ll learn to use in my course! Find out more HERE!
As always, wishing you the Best of Health,
Kathi
